Rev Dr D. Gondarra OAM, a prominent figure known for his unwavering compassion and his dedication to the cause of Indigenous justice, has passed away at the age of 79 in Arnhem Land.

Growing up in the missions of Millingimbi and later settling on Elcho Island, Dr Gondarra dedicated the majority of his 78 years to advocating for the freedom and fairness of his community and he successfully preserved his ancestral customs and values.

His role as a respected lawman of the Dhurili clan in north-east Arnhem Land and as Australia's first Aboriginal Methodist minister demonstrated his ability to connect, navigate and bridge two distinct worlds together for many decades.

Throughout his life, Dr Gondarra was known for his negotiation skills, direct communication style, and courageous stance on government policies and issues within his church.

The first Yolŋu Chairman of of the Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA) in 1993, he served in this position until his retirement in 2023. His leadership as chairman of ALPA for three decades was instrumental in advancing economic equality within his community.

Under his guidance, ALPA grew from a small organisation to overseeing more than 25 stores and implementing crucial community service programs and enterprise ventures across Arnhem Land.

In a statement about Gondarra's passing, the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation said:

"Rev Dr. D. Gondarra OAM was the first Yolŋu Chairman of ALPA elected in 1993, a position he held until his retirement in 2023. During his term he led ALPA from a retail organisation with just eight small stores, that was in financially precarious position with limited resources, to the largest and most diverse Aboriginal Corporation in Australia, his contribution cannot be understated in the corporation's development and the service the Corporation offers its members.

"His ability to operate cross culturally and connect with all peoples globally saw him sought out by Government and industry alike from around the country.

"He dedicated his life selflessly to the service of his people and to advancing the cause of first nations people from across the nation and the world. His leadership and commitment to improve the social and economic well- being of first nations people was immeasurable.

"His legacy will forever remain in the hearts and minds of everyone that he engaged with and motivates us to continue the important work he started.Rev Dr. D. Gondarra OAM is survived by his eldest sister Rose, his children, and grandchildren.

"The ALPA Board of Directors and ALPA team extend our deepest condolences to his family and the wider community, we know his leadership and wisdom touched many."

Dr Gondarra's oldest daughter, Biritjalawuy Gondarra, described her father as a determined individual who brought his quest for justice to various prestigious institutions globally, such as the United Nations.

"He's done so much for his people for the last 50 years, to gain justice and freedom in Australia," Ms Gondarra said.

"He's been a great role model, to us, his children, and to many of us."

Others who paid tribute to Dr Gondarra were independent politician from Arnhem Land, Yiŋiya Guyula, and the Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.

Mr Guyula shared his gratitude towards his mentor during a session at the NT Parliament on Thursday evening.

"In some ways it is not a sad day, because he was here to do exactly what he did," he said, the ABC reports.

"As clan leader, he has left all of his teachings for us to pick up and continue."

While the ABC reports Ms Burney said she was acquainted with the reverend on a personal level, "particularly through the incredible work he has done across the Northern Territory and Australia".

"Our hearts and our love go to his family," Ms Burney she said.

"We respect the work that he's done and the lifetime of commitment to First Nations people in this country, and to the health and wellbeing of Australia more broadly."

Dr Gondarra had an extraordinary list of accomplishments, which include being the inaugural Indigenous moderator of the Northern Synod, the first Indigenous representative on the World Council of Churches, and being the visionary behind the successful cross-cultural mediation program Mawul Rom.

He also earned a Doctorate from the University of Roundtable in Arizona, served on the board of Reconciliation Australia, and was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal.

Dr Gondarra believed strongly in life-long learning; spending three years in Papua New Guinea and travelling extensively to Canada, the United States, Korea, and the Pacific Islands to learn from and connect with other First Nations individuals, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by his own community.

In 2010, he appeared in the documentary called 'Our Generation' where he bravely stood up against the NT Intervention policies. Inspired by the film, he became a prominent figure in the movement and travelled to Geneva to meet with the Human Rights Commissioner at the United Nations.

Dr Gondarra is survived by his eldest sister Rose, his children, and grandchildren.